Discussing and analyzing the many benefits that come from the UC Davis campus insurance plan.
DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis students already have a lot on their plates. Between tuition, rent and groceries, health care costs can feel like another expense students have to navigate.
Yet many students may not realize they are already paying for a wide range of health care services through the University of California Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP), including medical care, vision benefits and mental health resources that often go unused because students are unaware they exist.
Like many students, I assumed UC SHIP covered only a few doctor visits. After speaking with campus health care providers, I was surprised to learn how many services are available through the Student Health and Wellness Center.
Located at 930 Blue Ridge Road, the Student Health and Wellness Center serves registered UC Davis students by providing access to medical, mental health, pharmacy, dental and optometry services.
The center offers everything from preventive care and vaccinations to counseling and specialist referrals. For many students, the convenience of receiving care on campus can eliminate barriers such as transportation and cost.
Despite the availability of these services, some providers say students often do not realize how much UC SHIP covers.
One of the most overlooked UC SHIP benefits may be vision care.
According to Mansoor Shafqat, an optician at the Student Health and Wellness Center, many students underutilize insurance coverage that could save them money on eye care.
Shafqat said many students are surprised to learn that eye exams, glasses and contact lenses may be covered through UC SHIP.
“UC SHIP covers a comprehensive eye exam once per plan year for a $10 copay,” Shafqat said. “We have a selection of frames and contact lenses that students can choose from that are fully covered with the $120 allowance UC SHIP provides. Students should contact our office to review their UC SHIP vision benefits and speak with one of our staff to see what options are available for their specific needs.”
Cost concerns can prevent students from seeking care even when they have insurance. Shafqat said many students are relieved to learn that the Optometry Clinic does not collect copays at the time of service.
“Students also appreciate learning that we don’t collect copays upfront at our clinic,” Shafqat said. “Knowing that any applicable copays or remaining balances will be charged to their student account can help take away some of the immediate financial stress.”
For students facing additional financial challenges, the university also offers programs designed to make health care more accessible.
“We also offer some assistance programs on campus, including the Health Equity Fund, that may be available to those with additional financial barriers,” Shafqat said.
Beyond helping students understand their benefits, Shafqat believes educating them about available resources is an important part of his work.
Having helped establish UC Davis Optometry and Optical Services in 2012, he has seen firsthand how many students are unaware of the support available to them.
“One of the things I value most about this work is helping students understand the resources available to them,” Shafqat said. “Clear vision is important for learning, working and everyday life. I want students to know that they have people here who are willing to answer their questions and help them navigate their options.”
Physical health is only one component of the services available to students. UC SHIP also provides access to a range of mental health services.
According to the UC Davis benefits booklet, mental health and substance use disorder services are covered benefits. These include substance use counseling, individual and group mental health treatment, and inpatient psychiatric care, with certain services available through virtual or in-person visits.
For students balancing demanding coursework, jobs and other responsibilities, access to mental health care is just as important as access to physical health care.
College represents an enormous change and can be a period of significant stress, anxiety and adjustment. Taking advantage of resources that improve overall wellness can help students make the most of their college experience.
UC SHIP covers more benefits than many students realize. Yet those benefits are only useful if students know they exist and understand how to access them.
Whether it is scheduling an eye exam, seeking mental health support or taking advantage of regular checkups, students enrolled in UC SHIP are already paying for these services through their student fees.
Making full use of these resources is one way students can get more value from their education.
The Student Health and Wellness Center is there to support students throughout their academic journey. Learning about UC SHIP benefits sooner rather than later could make a difference in both their health and academic success.
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